Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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BED SHEET SYSTEM AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLING BED SHEETS
INVENTORS:
Deborah S. Rowson
Geoffrey R. Rowson
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This invention claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Utility
Application Serial No.
11/805,587, entitled "Bed Sheet Attachment System and Methods," filed May 23,
2007, the
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention relates generally to apparatus and methods for
changing bed
sheets and accessories that may used in a bedding system, and more
particularly, to a system
of bed sheets and accessories that may be assembled and changed in a
relati.vely fast and
convenient manner.
[0003] Conventional bedding systems typically employ a frame and mattress
arrangement.
The mattress is disposed on the frame, and a fitted sheet may be disposed over
the mattress.
Typically, the fitted sheet comprises one or more elastic bands that must be
placed over the
four sides of the mattress, then positioned underneath the mattress to secure
the fitted sheet.
Subsequently, a top sheet may be disposed over the fitted sheet. One or more
comforters,
quilts, blankets or other coverings may be disposed over the top sheet,
thereby completing the
bedding system.
100041 One drawback associated with such conventional bedding systems is that
it may be
difficult and/or time consuming to change the sheets. For example, in the
system described
above, a user may sleep directly on the fitted sheet, i.e., between the fitted
sheet and the top
sheet. If the fitted sheet becomes dirty or soiled, then typically the user
must remove the
fitted sheet by pulling the elastic bands of the fitted sheet over the four
corners of the
mattress. If a bed is located adjacent to a wall, it may become difficult or
time consuming to
pull the bed away from the wall in order to pull the fitted sheet over the
mattress. Similarly,
when making the bed, it may be difficult and/or time consuming to pull the bed
away from
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the wall, secure the fitted sheet over the mattress, and subsequently push the
bed against the
wall. In short, many users may experience difficulties in removing and
attaching a fitted
sheet over a mattress.
100051 Problematically, many users may need to change the fitted sheet
relatively often. For
example, infants may frequently soil bed sheets, thereby requiring frequent
changing of the
sheets. Similarly, elderly persons may soil the sheets, and may have
difficulty removing and
attaching the fitted sheets. Further, college-aged students and other
individuals may tend to
change sheets less frequently, in part due to the difficulty of removing a
fitted sheet that may
be pressed against a wall in relatively small dorm room. Finally, menopausal
women and
other individuals may have frequent night sweats, thereby necessitating
frequent changing of
the bed sheets.
[0006] In view of the foregoing, there is a need for an easy-to-use bed sheet
system that
employs a fast, easy-to-use attachment system to facilitate removal of a
soiled sheet and
attachment of a clean sheet.
SUMMARY
[0007] The present invention provides a bed sheet attachment system that
allows a user to
quickly and easily change bed sheets. In one embodiment, the fitted sheet of a
bed comprises
an upper surface and at least one attachment member disposed on the upper
surface. A
quick-change sheet having upper and lower surfaces also is provided, wherein
at least one
attachment member is disposed on the lower surface of the quick-change sheet.
In use, the
attachment member of the quick-change sheet is configured to releasably mate
with the
attachment member of the fitted sheet, thereby facilitating the changing of
the quick-change
sheet.
[0008] In a preferred embodiment, a mattress pad may be disposed on the upper
surface of
the fitted sheet, and the attachment members of the fitted sheet may be
disposed at one or
more locations spaced apart from the mattress pad. This allows a user to
comfortably rest on
a substantially smooth area of the fitted sheet overlaying the mattress pad,
while reducing or
eliminating potential contact between the user and the attachment members.
[0009] The quick-change sheet may cover substantially the entire area of the
fitted sheet.
Alternatively, the quick-change sheet may be adapted to overlay only a portion
of the upper
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surface of the fitted sheet, such that a substantial remaining portion of the
uppcr surface of
the fitted sheet is not covered by the quick-change sheet. In the latter
embodiment, a first
portion of the bed may be changed without disturbing a remaining portion of
the bed.
[0010] If desired, at least one pocket member may be releasably coupled to the
fitted sheet,
thereby providing one or more storage locations in close proximity to the bed.
Preferably, the
pocket member comprises at least one attachment member configured to
releasably mate with
the attachment member of the fitted sheet. When attached, a portion of the
pocket member
may be disposed over a side surface of the fitted sheet, and readily
accessible to a user, even
when the quick-change sheet is coupled to the fitted sheet. Multiple pocket
rnembers may be
coupled to various attachment members disposed at one or more locations around
the
perimeter of the bed.
[0011] Further, one or more top sheets, comforters, quilts, blankets and/or
other coverings
may be used in conjunction with the bedding system. In one alternative
embodiment, at least
a portion of the bottom end of the quick-change sheet may be attached to the
bottom end of a
top sheet. In use, when the quick-change sheet is coupled to the fitted sheet,
the top sheet
may be disposed to substantially cover the upper surface of the quick-change
sheet, thereby
making the bed.
[0012] Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will
be, or will
become, apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the
following figures and
detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems,
methods, features and
advantages be within the scope of the invention, and be encompassed by the
following
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The invention can be better understood with reference to the following
drawings and
description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale,
emphasis instead
being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in
the figures, like
referenced numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different
views.
[0014] FIG. I is a front perspective view of a fitted sheet and mattress pad
according to a first
embodiment of the present invention.
[00151 FIG. 2 is a top view of the fitted sheet and mattress pad of FIG. 1.
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[0016] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the fitted sheet of FIGS. 1-2 when disposed
over a
mattress.
[00171 FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a top surface of a quick-change sheet
that may be used
in conjunction with the fitted sheet and mattress pad of FIGS. 1-3.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a bottom surface of the quick-change
sheet of FIG. 4.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view illustrating the quick-change sheet
of FIGS. 4-5
disposed over the fitted sheet and mattress pad of FIGS. 1-3.
100201 FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of an alternative fitted sheet that
may be used in
conjunction with a quick-change sheet.
[0021] FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a pocket member that may be used
in
conjunction with a bed sheet system.
[0022] FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the
pocket member
of FIG. S.
[0023] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view illustrating the pocket members of
FIGS. 8-9
attached to a fitted sheet.
[0024] FIG. 11 is a front perspective view illustrating the pocket members of
FIGS. 8-9
attached to a fitted sheet with a quick-change sheet disposed over the fitted
sheet.
[0025] FIG. 12 is a top view illust3rating a top sheet attached to a lower end
of a quick-change
sheet.
100261 FIG. 13 is a front perspective view illustrating the top sheet and
quick-change sheet of
FIG. 12 disposed over a fitted sheet.
[0027] FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of a comforter having an inner
liner, which may be
used in conjunction with the apparatus of FIGS. 1-13.
[0028] FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the comforter of FIG. 14.
[0029] FIG. 16 is an alternative embodiment of a fitted sheet.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0030] Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, a first embodiment of a fitted sheet and
mattress pad that
may be used in a bed sheet attachment system is described. FIG. 1 shows a
front perspective
view of bed sheet system 20, which may comprise fitted sheet 30 and mattress
pad 40, while
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FIG. 2 is a top view of frtted sheet 30 and mattress pad 40, and FIG. 3 is a
bottom view of
fitted sheet 30 when disposed over mattress 24.
[0031] Fitted sheet 30, which may comprise any conventional bed sheet
material, has upper
surface 32 and lower surface 37. Fitted sheet 30 further has upper side 33,
lower side 35,
front side 36, and rear side 34, which generally are disposed between upper
and lower
surfaces 32 and 37, as shown in FIGS 1-3.
[0032] Mattress pad 40 may be disposed on a central region of upper surface 32
of fitted
sheet 30. The outer regions 42 of mattress pad 40 may be attached to fitted
sheet 30, for
example, by sewing. Alternatively, an adhesive, heat bond or other means may
be used to
attach mattress pad 40 to fitted sheet 30. Mattress pad 40 may generally
comprise any
material that is comfortable for a user, such as a quilted pad of material.
The positioning of
mattress pad 40 on fitted sheet 30 may be such that mattress pad 40 is
substantially aligned
with the position in which a user would be most likely to sit, rest or sleep,
thereby providing a
comfortable surface to a user, as explained in further detail below. However,
in an alternative
embodiment, mattress pad 40 may be omitted, i.e., not coupled to the fitted
sheet, as depicted
in FIG. 16 below.
[0033] Fitted sheet 30 may be sized to fit any bed size available, including
but not limited to
twin, twin XL, double, queen and king-sized beds. It also may be sized for use
in
conjunction with any baby crib. The fitted sheet also may be configured for
use in beds
located in hospitals, hotels, schools, and any other private or public
setting.
[0034] Regardless of bed size, upper side 33, lower side 35, front side 36,
and rear side 34
are adapted to be disposed over side surfaces of mattress 24, as shown in FIG.
3. At this
time, upper and lower surfaces 32 and 37 of fitted sheet 30 are disposed over
upper and lower
surfaces of mattress 24, respectively.
[0035] In one embodiment, if it is desired to adjust the tautness of fitted
sheet 30 with respect
to mattress 24, drawstring 62 may be provided. Drawstring 62 may comprise
elastic
characteristics to facilitate sealing of lower surface 37 of fitted sheet 30
around the lower
surface of mattress 24. The perimeter of fitted sheet 30 may comprise a
channel 61, such that
drawstring 62 maybe substantially disposed within channel 61, as shown in.
FIG. 3. A
portion of drawstring 62 may exit channel 61 and be disposed through adjusting
member 64
to form drawstring loop 63. Adjusting member 64 may comprise an actuator 65,
e.g., a
spring-resisted button. When actuated by a user, actuator 65 permits
adjustments of loop 63
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to increase or decrease the tautness of fitted sheet 30 over mattress 24 via
drawstring 62. In
an alternative embodiment, however, drawstring 62 may be omitted and fitted
sheet 30 may
comprise one or more elastic bands adapted to secure fitted sheet 30 around
mattress 24.
[0036] Referring still to FIGS. 1-2, upper surface 32 of fitted sheet 30 may
comprise one or
more attachment members that are adapted to be coupled to a quick-change sheet
70, as
explained in further detail in FIGS. 4-6 below. In one embodiment, hook-and-
loop fasteners,
for example, sold under the trademark VELCROV, may be employed. In general,
when the
hook portion is pressed against the loop portion, the hooks catch in the loops
and hold the
pieces together. In an alternative embodiment, other attachment members, such
as parts that
employ a snap-fit connection or a magnetic connection, may be used to couple
fitted sheet 30
to quick-change sheet 70.
[0037] In FIGS. 1-2, ten separate attachment members 50-59 are illustratively
disposed
around the perimeter of upper surface 32 of fitted sheet 30. Attachment
members 50-59 may
comprise the hook portion of a hook-and-loop fastener system, e.g., VELCROO.
As will be
explained in further detail below, attachment members 50-59 may be adapted to
releasably
naate with corresponding attachment members 80-89 of quick-change sheet 70,
respectively.
[0038] While ten attachment members 50-59 are illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, it
will be apparent
that any number may be employed. Moreover, the sizes and shapes of the
attachment
members may be varied. For example, attachment members 53 and 59 may comprise
longer
lengths than the other attachment members, as shown in FIG. 2. As another
example, while
three relatively short attachment members 55-57 are illustratively disposed
near lower side 35
of fitted sheet 30, one longer, continuous attachment member may be employed.
Further, one
continuous attachment member may extend around all four sides of the upper
surface of the
fitted sheet, as depicted in FIG. 16 below. In short, numerous combinations
are possible.
[0039] Attachment members 50-59 preferably are disposed around the perimeter
of upper
surface 32 of fitted sheet 30 at locations spaced apart from outer regions 42
of mattress pad
40, as depicted in FIGS. 1-2. Therefore, when a user sits or sleeps on the
bed, the user's body
may be disposed primarily over mattress pad 40, but is not expected to
substantially overlay
or contact attachment members 50-59, as explained in further detail below.
[0040] Referring now to FIGS. 4-5, a quick-change sheet 70, which may be used
in
conjunction with bed sheet system 20, is described. FIG. 4 illustrates the top
surface and
FIG. 5 illustrates the bottom surface of the quick-change sheet 70. Quick-
change sheet 70
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has upper surface 72 and lower surface 77. Upper and lower surfaces 72 and 77
are separated
by upper end 73, lower end 75, front end 76, and rear end 74, as shown in
FIGS. 4-5. Upper
surface 72 preferably is substantially smooth, while lower surface 77
comprises a plurality of
attachment members 80-89, which are adapted to releasably mate with attachment
members
50-59 of fxtted sheet 30, respectively.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 6, the coupling of quick-change sheet 70 to fitted
sheet 30 is shown.
Quick-change sheet 70 may be aligned with fitted sheet 30 such that
attachna,ent members 80-
89 are substantially aligned with their respective attachment members 50-59 of
fitted sheet
30. The sheets may be pressed together to securely attach quick-change sheet
70 to fitted
sheet 30 at the attachrnent locations. When the attachment members are
secured, upper end
73, lower end 75, front end 76, and rear end 74 of quick-change sheet 70 may
remain
disposed substantially over upper surface 32 of fitted sheet 30, i.e., the
ends 73-76 do not
extend substantially over upper side 33, lower side 35, front side 36, and
rear side 34, as
depicted in FIG. 6.
10042j Advantageously, by employing a quick-change sheet 70 in conjunction
with fitted
sheet 30, a user does not need to tuck-in quick-change sheet 70 around or over
the corners of
the bed. If quick-change sheet 70 becomes dirty or soiled, a user may simply
detach quick-
change sheet 70 from engagement with fitted sheet 30 and re-attach a
different, cleaner
quick-change sheet 70. The elimination of the need to tuck-in quick-change
sheet 70 may be
especially useful in situations where it may be difficult to tuck in a sheet,
for example, in a
baby crib, in a dorm room where a bed may be pressed against a wall, and so
forth.
Moreover, since quick-change sheet 70 is directly in contact with a user,
while fitted sheet 30
is substantially separated from a user, fitted sheet 30 may be changed less
frequently than
quick-change sheet 70.
[0043] Further, as noted above, when quick-change sheet 70 is disposed over
fitted sheet 30,
a comfortable surface may be provided to the user. More specifically, when the
user rests on
quick-change sheet 70, the user may be substantially aligned with mattress pad
40, e.g., a
quilted pad. The user does not substantially contact attachment members 50-59
and 80-89 of
fitted sheet 30 and quick-change sheet 70, respectively.
100441 Quick-change sheet 70 may comprise a conventional bed sheet fabric, or
alternatively,
may feature a special layer such as lamb's wool. Optionally, upper surface 72
and/or lower
surface 77 may comprise a design, such as a college logo, sports team logo,
seasonal design,
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heart-shaped design, a customized digital logo, or the like. Moreover,
multiple quick-change
sheets 70 may be sold in sets to users, thereby facilitating the exchange of
quick-change
sheets 70 in a fast and efficient manner.
[0045] As will be apparent, any free-standing top sheet, comforter, quilt,
blanket or other
covering may be disposed partially or completely over quick-change sheet 70
after it is
attached to fitted sheet 30, as shown in FIG. 6. Alternatively, quick-change
sheet 70 may be
releasably or permanently attached to a portion of a top sheet, for example,
as described in
FIGS. 12-13 below.
[0046] In one embodiment, quick-change sheet 70 may comprise a moisture-
absorbing
material. The moisture-absorbing material may be particularly useful when
quick-change
sheet 70 is used in conjunction with babies, elderly persons, menopausal women
who may
have frequent night sweats, college students, patients at hospitals, and so
forth. The
moisture-absorbing material may be integral to quick-change sheet 70, i.e.,
formed in the
material itself, or alternatively, one or more separate and distinct moisture-
absorbing
members may be disposed on at least a portion of quick-change sheet 70.
[0047] Further, while quick-change sheet 70 has been described with respect to
being
coupled to fitted sheet 30 covering a bed, a similar quick-change sheet 70
also may be used
on other surfaces, for exa.rnple, a pillowcase. In such an embodiment, the
quick-change sheet
may releasably mate with a complementary surface of the pillowcase. If the
quick-change
sheet disposed on pillowcase becomes soiled, then it may be remaved for
cleaning and
another quick-change sheet may be attached.
[0048] Further, a similar quick-change sheet 70 also may be used as part of a
pet bed. In
such an embodiment, the quick-change sheet may releasably mate with a
complementary
surface of a bed designed to accommodate numerous type of pets, such as dogs
and cats. In
such an embodiment, the quick-change sheet disposed on the pet bed may
comprise a
moisture-absorbing material, as noted above.
[0049] Referring now to FIG. 7, in an alternative embodiment, quick-change
sheet 70 may be
adapted to be disposed only over a portion of a fitted sheet. For example,
alternative fitted
sheet 30' may comprise attachment members 50-59 disposed only on rear portion
92 of the
fitted sheet. When attachment members 80-89 quick-change sheet 70 are coupled
to
attachment members 50-59, respectively, quick-change sheet 70 covers only rear
portion 92
of fitted sheet 30'. When in use, one user may sleep substantially over quick-
change sheet 70
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on rear portion 92, while another user may sleep substantially over front
portion 91, i.e.,
directly on fitted sheet 30'. In this embodiment, if quick-change sheet 70
becomes soiled or
otherwise needs to be changed, the user on rear portion 92 may remove and
replace quick-
change sheet 70 with another sheet, without substantially interfering with the
other user
situated on front portion 91.
[0050] While quick-change sheet 70 is illustratively disposed over rear
portion 92 in the
embodiment of FIG. 7, it will be apparent that quick-change sheet 70
alternatively may be
disposed over front portion 91. Further, front portion 91 may comprisc an
additional set of
attachment members that are configured to releasably mate with another quick-
change sheet,
such that when the bed is fully assembled, there may be multiple quick-change
sheets
covering multiple portions of the bed.
[00511 Referring now to FIGS. $-11, an additional feature of bed sheet system
20 is
described. FIGS. 8-9 illustrate pocket members 120 and 140, respectively,
which may be
used in conjunction with fitted sheet 30 and/or quick-change sheet 70 to
provide a convenient
storage area in close proximity to the bed.
[0052] In FIG. 8, pocket member 120 comprises pocket 122, which may be formed
between
a portion of inner layer 126 and outer layer 127. An elastic member 132 may be
disposed in
upper channel 131 of outer layer 127, thereby providing an elastic closure
capability for
pocket 122. In a preferred embodiment, inner and outer layers 126 and 127 may
each
comprise a layer of fabric, but alterrzatively, may comprise any suitable
material such as
plastic.
100531 Inner layer 126 may comprise a generally upright portion 124 and an
attachment
portion 125, which may be formed integral with, or coupled to, upright portion
124.
Attachment portion 125 preferably is adapted to be bent at an angle with
respect to upright
portion 124, and more preferably, at an angle of between about 70 and 110
degrees, as
depicted in FIG. 8.
100541 Pocket member 120 may employ one or more attachment members disposed
above
and/or below attachment portion 125. In a preferred embodiment, a first
attachment member
135 may be disposed on a lower surface of attachment portion 124 and may
comprise a loop
portion of a hook-and-loop fastener system, e.g., VELCRO . Optionally, a
second
attachment member 136 may be disposed on an upper surface of attachment
portion 125 and
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may comprise a hook portion of a hook-and-loop fastener system, for purposes
described
below.
[0055) In an alternative embodiment, the design of pocket xnexxr,ber 120 may
be varied to
have multiple configurations, such as different shapes and sizes. For example,
as shown in
FIG. 9, altezxzative pocket member 140 comprises first pocket 142 and second
pocket 143
formed between a portion of inner layer 146 and outer layer 147. Inner layer
146 may
comprise a generally upright portion 144 and an attachment portion 145. Unlike
pocket
member 120, pocket member 140 may comprise a divider 158, which is adapted to
separatc
first pocket 142 from second pocket 143, as shown in FIG. 9. Divider 158 may
comprise a
substantially longitudinal sew, or alternatively, an adhesive, clip or other
member configured
to provide a barrier between first and second pockets 142 and 143. Elastic
members 152 and.
153 may be disposed in upper channel 151 of outcr laycr 147 and may be
configured to
provide an elastic closure capability for first and second pockets 142 and
143, respectively.
[0056] Like pocket member 120, alternative pocket member 140 may comprise one
or more
attachment members disposed above and/or beneath attachment portion 145. As
shown in
FIG. 9, a first attachment member 155 is disposed beneath attachment portion
145, although
greater of fewer attachment members may be provided.
[0057] Referring now to FIGS. 10-11, pocket members 120 and 140 are shown in
use with
fitted sheet 30. First attachment member 135 of pocket member 120 preferably
is adapted to
releasably engage any of attachment members 50-59 of fitted sheet 30.
Similarly, attachm,ent
member 155 of pockct member 140 preferably is adapted to releasably engage any
of the
attachment members 50-59. In the embodiment shown, attachment m.embers 135 and
155 of
pocket members 120 and 140, respectively, are each coupled to attachrnent
member 59 of
fitted sheet 30, as depicted in FIG. 10. Preferably, attachment members 135
and 155
releasably mate with attachment member 59, e.g., using a hook-and-loop
fastener system, as
described above. As will be apparent, only one pocket member 120 or 140 may be
employed. Alternatively, pocket members 120 and 140 may be coupled to
different
attachment members 50-59. Further, greater than two pocket members may be
employed.
[0058] In the embodiment of FIGS. 10-11, when attachment members 135 and 155
are
releasably attached to attachment member 59 of fitted sheet 30, pockets 122,
142 and 143
preferably substantially hang over front side 36 of fitted sheet 30. When
quick-change sheet
70 is coupled to upper surface 32 of fitted sheet 30, as shown in FIG. 11,
pockets 122, 142
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and 143 preferably remain substantially exposed and readily accessible to a
user. It should be
noted that, if second attachment member 136 is disposed on an upper surface of
attachment
portion 125, it may releasably engage attachment member 89 of quick-change
sheet 70,
thereby providing a secure attachment between the pocket member and the quick-
change
sheet.
[0059] Advantageously, by using pocket members 120 and/or 140 of FIGS. 8-11, a
user may
store a cell phone, toiletries, or virtually anything else that fits in or
extends from pockets
122, 142 and 143, at a location in extremely close proximity to the user when
the user is on
the bed. Moreover, as noted above, any number of pocket members may be
employed, and a
user may increase or decrease the number of pocket members, and their
positioning, at
virtually any time. Further, the depth and configurations of the pocket
members may be
varied, for examplc, the pocket members may hang partly over front side 36 of
fitted sheet
30, as depicted in FIGS_ 10-11, or may extend further down towards lower
surface 37 or
below. Pocket members having varying depths may be useful for holding separate
items, for
example, a shallower pocket member may be suitable for holding a cell phone,
while a deeper
pocket member may be suitable for holding a toothbrush. Finally, if a top
sheet, comforter or
other covering is used in conjunction with the bedding system, such coverings
may extend
over the pocket members, i.e., the pocket members may remain exposed to the
user or may
become covered.
[0060] Referring now to FIGS. 12-13, in an alternative embodiment, at least a
portion of
quick-change sheet 70 may be attached to a top sheet 170. Preferably, a
portion of lower end
75 of quick-change sheet 70 is attached to a portion of lower end 175 of top
sheet 170. When
attached, front end 176 of top sheet 170 may extend beyond the confines of
front end 76 of
quick-change sheet 70 at front overlap region 192, as shown in FIG. 12.
Similarly, rear end
174 may extend beyond the confines of rear end 74 of quick-change sheet 70 at
rear overlap
region 191.
[0061] A portion of lower end 75 of quick-change sheet 70 may be permanently
attached to a
portion of lower end 175 of top sheet 170 by sewing the two sheets together.
Alternatively,
the lower end 75 of quick-change sheet 70 may be releasably attached to lower
end 175 of
top sheet 170, e.g., using a zipper engagement, mating VELCRO strips, and so
forth.
100621 In use, quick-change sheet 70 may be attached to fitted sheet 30 in the
manner
described above, e.g., by attaching the respective attachment members 50-59
and 80-89.
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Subsequently, upper end 173 of top sheet 170 may be pulled towards upper end
73 of quick-
change sheet 70 to make the bed. As shown in FIG. 13, upper end 173 of top
sheet 170 may
be folded over itself, or rolled down with respect to upper end 73 of fitted
sheet 70. At this
time, front overlap region 192 of top sheet 170 may extend partially over
front side 36 of
fitted sheet 30, as depicted in FIG. 13, and rear overlap region 191
sirnilarly may extend
partially over rear side 34 of fitted sheet 30.
[0063] Referring now to FIGS. 14-15, a comforter that may be used in
conjunction with any
of the bed systems described above is shown. As illustrated in FIG. 14,
comforter 220
comprises upper surface 222, lower surface 229, front surface 226, and rear
surface 224. The
dirnensions of comforter 220 may be sized such that the comforter may be
placed over a bed
of any size, whereby the front and rear surfaces 226 and 224 lay over the
front and rear
surfaces of the bed, respectively.
100641 Lining 240 may be attached to lower surface 229 of comforter 220, for
example, at
one or more removable attachment locations 250-259. A hook-and-loop fastening
system,
such as mating VELCROO strips, may be employed at attachment locations 250-
259. In a
preferred embodiment, lining 240 comprises a fleece layer, such that during
use, the fleece
layer is disposed in proximity to the user. By providing a releasable, mating
attachment
between lining 240 and comforter 220, lining 240 may be removed as needed, for
example,
for cleaning or to remove a layer due to temperature conditions.
[0065) Referring now to FIG. 16, an altern.ative embodiment of a fitted sheet
is described.
Fitted sheet 330 comprises one continuous attachment member 350, which extends
around all
four sides of upper surface 332 of fitted sheet 330, as depicted in FIG. 16.
Such a
configuration may facilitate attachment of quick-change sheet 70 of FIGS. 4-5,
because the
one or more attachment members 80-89 of quick-change sheet 70 need not be
precisely
aligned with individual corresponding attachment members disposed on fitted
sheet 330.
Moreover, the mattress pad 40 of FIGS. 1-2 is omitted in the embodiment of
FIG. 16.
However, as noted above, the mattress pad may be employed and/or the
attachment member
350 may comprise one uniform member or multiple spaced apart members.
[00661 While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it will
be apparent
to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and
implementations are
possible within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not
to be restricted
except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Moreover, the
advantages
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CA 02687805 2009-11-20
WO 2008/147790 PCT/US2008/064298
described herein are not necessarily the only advantages of the invention and
it is not
necessarily expected that every embodiment of the invention will achieve all
of the
advantages descn'bed.
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